MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Yellowstone National Park (YNP) has announced that its winter season will begin on Friday, Dec. 15.
The park will be open to approved commercially guided snowmobiles and snowcoaches through mid-March. Permit holders for non-commercially guided snowmobile access will also be allowed to travel the park’s roads from the West, South, East and North Entrances. Learn more about that lottery system here.
“Currently, there is limited snowfall on roads in the eastern, western and northern parts of the park,” YNP said Wednesday via press release. “This means that visitors will be able to travel in the park, however, the type of transportation used on park roads by commercially guided snowmobile or snowcoach tour companies will depend on road conditions.”
Plowing crews will begin to service park roads in mid-March for eventual vehicle use, with roads expected to reopen to cars in mid-April.
YNP also shared the following reminders for those planning a winter visit to the park:
- Most park roads are closed to automobiles: The only roads open year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana (via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction and Lamar Valley). Anticipate possible road closures due to quickly changing weather and dangerous driving conditions. Check the road status map before leaving. Drive cautiously and watch out for snowplows. Do not stop, stand or walk in the road. Use a pullout if you need to stop for any reason.
- Services are limited: Most facilities are closed during winter. Check winter operating dates to see which visitor centers, stores, restaurants, lodges and warming huts are open.
- Camping and lodging: Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel are open during winter. Make reservations as far in advance as possible. Lodging is also available in nearby communities. There are no campgrounds open for the 2023/2024 winter season.
- Prepare for winter conditions: Winter temperatures range from zero to 20°F (-20°C to -5°C) throughout the day. Sub-zero temperatures are common, especially at night and at higher elevations. Check current weather conditions, pack proper clothing and equipment and review winter safety tips.
- Do not approach or feed wildlife: Animals have the right of way. Expect to encounter bison and other wildlife on park roads. Slow down or pull over until they pass or move off the road. Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife. The safest way to view wildlife is through a telephoto lens, a spotting scope or a pair of binoculars. Store food properly and be aware that in some areas, ravens have learned to unzip backpacks to obtain contents.
- Stay on boardwalks: People have been severely injured or killed by breaking through thin ground in thermal basins or falling into hot springs. Exercise caution and wear traction aids over footwear when navigating snowy or icy boardwalks.
- Connectivity is limited: Visitors will likely not receive calls or texts, even in the few areas where they have cell reception.
